Dandenong crime crisis back in spotlight as robbery, drug use, vandalism plagues shopping strip
Crime and drugs continue to plague the Dandenong retail precinct, with traders sharing horror stories of street brawls, knifepoint robberies, mindless vandalism and blatant drug use.
South East
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Dandenong traders say the retail precinct is riddled with crime and drug use, with one business owner held at knifepoint in a terrifying armed robbery.
The Leader visited the precinct including Thomas and McCrae streets on Monday and spoke to business owners who said they were fearful of crime, which continues to plague the area.
In February, the Greater Dandenong Leader launched its ‘Clean Up Dandenong’ campaign, urging Victoria Police and all levels of government to make the precinct safer by increasing police patrols, installing more security cameras and lighting and adding extra security personnel.
Quasim Najimi, who owns a supermarket on Thomas St, said he was left shaken after being held at knifepoint in a terrifying armed robbery.
“The person demanded money and tried to steal items. It was very scary but police did catch them,” Mr Najimi said.
“The area is very unsafe, it’s just getting worse with crime,” he said.
Another trader Ali Haidari, who owns a homewares shop on Thomas St, said he was left with thousands of dollars worth of damage after his shop windows were smashed by thugs on Saturday, July 11.
At least two other shops on the retail strip were also targeted on the same night.
“They just walked past and kicked in the window. It’s very bad as my business is already struggling due to coronavirus,” Mr Haidari said.
“There needs to be more police in this area. There’s always fights, people drinking, taking drugs, it’s very bad” he said.
McCrae St trader Ali Gulzari said he saw fights break out in the precinct almost daily.
“I see groups of people fighting all the time. There’s also people always drinking,” Mr Gulzari said.
“I see a lot of police in the area, but more police would be good.”
The Leader saw people walking in and out of an alley way on McCrae St appearing to do drug deals, while others were seen drinking alcohol.
Traders in the precinct have previously filmed people taking drugs and drinking in the alley way.
Greater Dandenong councillor Tim Dark said the crime spike in Dandenong was “deeply concerning”.
“This is a growing and significant issue for residents. We need to need to see a permanent police presence within the precinct,” Cr Dark said.
Greater Dandenong Inspector Mark Langhorn said police conducted regular proactive patrols on Thomas and McCrae streets and surrounding areas as part of Operation Tidal.
“We are aware this is a busy area, particular given the proximity to the Dandenong CBD, and task our officers to patrol accordingly,” Insp Langhorn said.
“Local police not seen an increase in reported crime or calls for assistance in this area,” he said.
He said police ran OMNI operations in Dandenong and Cranbourne over the weekend.
“Police checked more than 100 people and arrested 18 across the southeast for weapon and drug-related offences.
“Police will simply not tolerate those who break the law or engage in anti-social, violent behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk.”
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